Maxwell’s lifestyle hub KADA has officially opened, but which cafe’s actually worth visiting?
Going viral even before their officially opening is Pacto by Parchment. This cosy four-seater coffee house offers a unique take-and-go experience, serving coffee through a quaint roadside window.
Our first impression of Pacto by Parchment
Stepping into the cafe, we were immediately greeted by the rich, aromatic scent of matcha lingering in the air.
Given how small the cafe was — it was only about 30 sq ft, with a four-seater banquette on the opposite end of the entrance — we immediately left to order via their takeaway window along Erskine Road.
What are they famous for?
Pacto by Parchment specialises in coffee and matcha. Unlike other matcha cafes in Singapore, they’re allegedly the only one that carries matcha powder from Fukuoka, Japan. The founder of Pacto revealed that he was able to source them thanks to private connections with an undisclosed Japanese celebrity.
But I guess what truly catapulted them to fame is their unique hole-in-the-wall concept—a literal hole carved into their bar station, where you can order and pick up drinks directly from the roadside.
How was the matcha?
Matcha at Pacto starts from $7 for a Koicha or Usucha, which translates to “thick tea” and “diluted tea” in Japanese. Essentially, this was just an espresso and americano form in matcha. The absence of milk and sugar allows you to fully appreciate the nuances of the matcha.
I ordered their Fukuoko Yame Koicha ($7) and expected a thick, punchy grassy flavour that coats my palate. However, it was pleasantly mellow, easy to drink, smooth and easy to drink, with an umami aftertaste that lingers and deepens after each sip.
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How about the coffee?
For a cafe that prides themselves so much on matcha, their coffee was surprisingly… perfectly brewed.
I thoroughly enjoyed their Iced Black ($6), extracted with a fruity Sebastian Gomez La Divisa single origin from Colombia.
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What else is on the menu…?
Understandable… not everyone likes their coffee black and their matcha unsweetened. In that case, you can opt for their speciality concoctions, such as their Yuzu Iced Black ($6), Coconut Matcha ‘Cloudy’ ($6), or their artisanal Parchment Chocolate Latte ($5).
What we didn’t like about the place?
As great as their drinks were, it’s not a cafe to chill at, or to finish a book, or just catching up with friends. Only four seats are available, and with how popular Pacto is, I’d expect them to be fully occupied throughout the day.
You could, however, chill outdoors or in the main atrium if you don’t mind the lack of air-conditioning.
Bottom-line: Should you visit?
If you’re not looking for a place to chill at — In other words, you’re simply looking for a quick pick-me-up, whether it’s coffee or matcha, this cafe at KADA won’t disappoint.
Pacto by Parchment also has a second outlet at Lavender.
Heading to KADA? Here’s a breakdown of all of their cafes and restaurants
Location: 5 Kadayanallur St, #01-10, Singapore 069183
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri: 8:30am-5pm
Sat-Sun: 9am-5pm
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